WIFA signs Rs 100-crore deal to develop football in Maharashtra

In an unprecedented deal, the Western Indian Football Association (WIFA) has signed a Rs.100-crore partnership with Sporting Ace Private Ltd. (SAPL) for developing the sport in Maharashtra.

This 10-year partnership is aimed to help football grow in various districts of the state with the funds being used to promote the sport at the grass roots by increasing the number of players and certified coaches.

Indian football needs investment for infrastructure. AFP

This announcement was made at a press conference by SAPL managing director Sagar Pol Chowdhury and WIFA general secretary Souter Vaz here Wednesday.

The initiatives in this partnership includes a talent hunt in Asia, revival of the 122-year-old Rovers Cup, and the like.

The talent hunt, named Mahayudh, will be conducted from December 2012 to February 2013 and would target multiple locations in 30 districts of Maharashtra.

Besides cash prizes, the players would also be provided with footballing kits.